THE AUTHENTIC SERIES | The Martin Authentic Series brings the look, feel, and voice of prized Golden Era instruments into brand-new guitars built with extraordinary attention to historical detail. Inspired by the pre-war Martins that became some of the most sought-after acoustic guitars ever made, each model is handcrafted using time-honored techniques, period-correct specifications, and carefully chosen materials. From hide glue construction and hand-shaped bracing to VTS-aged tops and braces, the Authentic Series is made for players and collectors who want the closest modern connection to Martin’s most legendary era.
From the Archives
Inside Martin's Aged Process
Originally released in 2017, this video revisits the moment Martin first introduced its aged acoustic guitar process. Featuring Fred Greene and Jeff Allen, the conversation explains the thinking behind the then-new approach, from thinner lacquer and finish checking to aged hardware and the careful handwork used to give select Authentic Series models the feel and character of well-played vintage instruments. It offers valuable insight into why Martin developed it—and why aging a guitar is about far more than making a new instrument look old.
Built Like It's the Golden Era
Authentic Series guitars are built to capture the tone, feel, and character of Martin’s most coveted pre-war instruments. Each model uses traditional hide glue construction, pocketed hand-shaped bracing, and historically inspired details based on the instruments that set the standard for acoustic guitar tone. Martin’s Vintage Tone System® (VTS) thermally ages the top and braces to help recreate the rich, open response of a well-preserved vintage guitar. The result is a new instrument with a deep connection to the past—built by hand for today’s players.
Key Specs
- Expertly Handcrafted: Built by Martin’s most skilled artisans using time-honored techniques inspired by the Golden Era of guitar making.
- Vintage Tone System® (VTS) Tops and Braces: Thermally aged to help recreate the look, feel, and responsive tone of well-preserved pre-war instruments.
- Hide Glue Construction: Assembled with traditional hide glue for vintage authenticity, enhanced resonance, and a strong connection to historic Martin building methods.
- Pocketed, Hand-Shaped Bracing: Individually carved and fitted by hand to help deliver the dynamic response, power, and sensitivity associated with Martin’s pre-war designs.
- Historically Inspired Details: Period-correct appointments, neck shapes, body profiles, bracing patterns, and finish options vary by model, giving each Authentic Series guitar its own direct connection to Martin history.
Guitar World Plays the D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged
In this earlier Guitar World feature, Paul Riario visits the Martin Museum to play the D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged and compare it with the original 1939 D-18 that inspired it. While the featured model is from a past Authentic Series lineup, the video remains a valuable look at Martin’s approach to recreating pre-war acoustic guitar tone, feel, color, patina, and detail with remarkable historical accuracy.